Autoblog

Report: Lotus bringing a pair of front-engine hybrids to Paris Motor Show

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Paris Motor Show, Lotus

Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

In addition to the pair of Evoras being introduced at this year's Paris Motor Show, Lotus will also be unveiling two front-engine hybrid vehicles, in keeping with the automaker's promise to offer more gasoline/electric sports cars. Edmunds' Green Car Advisor reports that one of these hybrid cars will be a four-door hatchback and the other will be a two-door coupe.

Lotus debuted its hybrid concept earlier this year in the form of the Evora 414E Hybrid (pictured), but unlike the mid-engine concept, the two front-engine models will utilize a 47-horsepower 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine specifically designed to provide power to electric-drive hybrids.

We'll have the full details direct from the Paris show later this month, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Report: Lotus bringing a pair of front-engine hybrids to Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Lotus formally introduces Evora 414E Hybrid

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:25:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Lotus, Electric

Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid teaser - Click above to enlarge

Lotus has just formally introduced a new 400-plus horsepower sportscar concept. That news in and of itself would be enough to pique our interest, but the rest of the car's spec sheet makes the Evora 414E Hybrid an astonishingly intriguing concept vehicle. As you surely surmised by now, this two-seat sportster is a hybrid, specifically an extended-range electric vehicle that features a pair of rear-mounted electric motors and a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gas-powered engine. Why not fully electric? According to Lotus:

With regard to the total lifetime CO2 emissions of the vehicle, including the energy required to manufacture and run it, the range extender solution has a lower overall CO2 footprint than a fully electric car of comparable performance and operating range running with a larger battery.

That 47-horsepower gasoline engine never actually sends power directly to the Evora 414E Hybrid's wheels. Instead - as with other cars such as the 2011 Chevrolet Volt and the Fisker Karma - the mill is used to recharge the onboard 17 kilowatt-hour lithium polymer battery pack, which is centrally mounted down the middle of the car for optimal weight distribution. That battery pack can provide up to 35 miles of gasoline-free driving per full charge.

Because each rear wheel has a separate connection to its own electric motor, Lotus has programmed in torque vectoring for stability control of the vehicle. This means that a complex set of software algorithms can provide the same kind of benefits as rear-wheel steering and exaggerated toe-in without the expense or efficiency losses of a mechanical system. Each rear wheel puts down 204 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

Further, though the actual transmission has only one forward ratio, Lotus has programmed in seven artificial "gears" that the driver can row through via a set of column-mounted paddle shifters. Also included is the HALOsonic Internal and External Electronic Sound Synthesis technologies from Lotus and Harman International that pipes artificial sound to both the cabin and outside to pedestrians. Want more? There's plenty to be gleaned in the exhaustive press release that you'll find after the break. Sadly, just one lone copper-topped teaser image, which you can enlarge by clicking above.

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Lotus formally introduces Evora 414E Hybrid

Geneva Preview: Lotus formally introduces Evora 414E Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Let us help you with that: Lotus develops off-the-shelf range extender engine

Dan Roth — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Technology, Lotus, UK

The Lotus ethos has always been about efficient performance. "Simplicate, and add lightness" is an oft-echoed mantra coined by founder Colin Chapman. While the company is most known for its sports cars and racing endeavors, it's got a history of engineering for hire, as well. Embracing a definition of high performance that has protracted to include alternative propulsion technologies, Lotus has brought its experience to bear for series hybrids.

Bowing at Frankfurt Motor Show, the Lotus Range Extender engine has been designed for driving a generator optimally without the compromises of conventional engines. Reducing cost, parts count and emissions were all part of the design dossier. This 1.2-liter three-cylinder that produces 47 bhp at 3,500 RPM is being described by Lotus as a monoblock - the cylinder head and exhaust manifold are integral with the engine block, reducing separate parts and potential failure points. Low mass, more thermal efficiency and a low build cost are other superlatives used to describe this powerplant with a more focused purpose than traditional car engines. Lotus appears to have a keen eye on the future of autodom, involved as it is with ventures such as Tesla, and working with Jaguar, MIRA and Caparo on this engine as part of the UK Technology Strategy Board's "Limo-Green" project.

Lotus has spent its lifetime innovating with technology and making light and efficient cars. While the thrill of series hybrid sport driving may have a different soundtrack, the exhilaration will likely be the same. Press release posted after the jump.

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Let us help you with that: Lotus develops off-the-shelf range extender engine

Let us help you with that: Lotus develops off-the-shelf range extender engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Lotus delays new Esprit to go hybrid

Noah Joseph — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Lotus

Nimble as they are, Lotus fans have been looking forward to something with a bit more oomph than the Elise/Exige/Europa series, and the Evora just didn't cut it. With the start of the new year, we thought we had come that much closer to the launch of the highly anticipated new Esprit. But the British sportscar-maker has moved the goalposts back, with new reports indicating that the re-Esprit may debut in 2011 instead of next year as originally planned.

The reason for the delay, according to emerging reports, is that Lotus is working to integrate some sort of mild hybrid system into its reborn GT. The system could be borrowed, along with its core powerplant, from BMW. A Lotus chassis with German power and regenerative braking may just be worth the wait.

[Source: Autoblog Spanish via ABG]

REPORT: Lotus delays new Esprit to go hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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